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The Indian cement industry is on track to reach 5.09 billion tonnes by 2028-29, driven by robust government investment in infrastructure. According to an IANS report originally attributed to Infomerics Ratings, this marks a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9 per cent between 2024 and 2029. In 2022-23, the industry’s market size stood at 3.82 billion tonnes, with a total installed capacity of 622 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY24 and production at 427 million tonnes. Notably, India contributes over 8 per cent to the world’s total installed cement capacity, highlighting its importance in the global market. Despite this, India’s per capita cement consumption is 260 kg—significantly below the global average of 540 kg—indicating substantial room for growth. Globally, the cement market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3 per cent from 2024 to 2032. The sector’s expansion is fuelled by ambitious government initiatives, including an allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore for infrastructure in FY25 and housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The construction sector consumes 55 per cent of cement production, while public infrastructure projects account for the remainder. The industry also plays a critical role in employment, providing direct jobs to over one million people and creating downstream opportunities for about 20,000 individuals per million tonnes of cement produced. Private players dominate the sector, controlling 98 per cent of production capacity, while public sector units hold a mere 2 per cent. Domestic production meets almost all demand, with imports accounting for just 0.2 per cent of total production in FY23. However, exports have declined recently due to reduced global demand and rising competition. India currently has 341 cement manufacturing facilities, including 159 integrated large cement plants, 120 grinding units, and 62 mini cement plants. Cement production has seen steady growth, with a 7.1 per cent increase in September 2024 and a cumulative growth of 1.6 per cent between April and September of FY25, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This growth aligns with India’s overall industrial performance, which saw a 2 per cent rise in core industries in September, led by cement, steel, coal, and fertilisers. As India invests heavily in infrastructure and housing, the cement industry is set to play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s economic and developmental goals. (with IANS inputs)

India's cement industry expected to grow to 5.09 billion tonnes by 2028-29 amid infrastructure push: Report

<ul><li><keyword id="19912297" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NVIDIA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NVIDIA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NVIDIA">NVIDIA</keyword> and <keyword id="19896380" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance-Industries" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reliance Industries" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reliance Industries">Reliance Industries</keyword> have partnered to build AI computing infrastructure.</li><li>NVIDIA will also supply the latest Blackwell AI chip for Reliance Industries’ new data centre.</li><li>The partnership was announced at the NVIDIA AI Summit India.</li></ul> <keyword id="16173150" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NVIDIA-CEO-Jensen-Huang" source="Orion">NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang</keyword> at the NVIDIA AI Summit India announced a partnership with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries to an artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure and an innovation centre in India. As part of the partnership between the two companies, Reliance Industries will use the latest Nvidia Blackwell AI chip for its new major data centre. The company will use NVIDIA's cutting-edge technology, including the GB200 GPUs. The two companies are aiming to accelerate India's transformation into a global AI powerhouse with the partnership, banking on the nation's talent pool and growing digital infrastructure. "India is already world-class in designing chips, Nvidia's are designed here in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune. A third of Nvidia is Indian, maybe more," Huang said. While praising the country’s rapid digitalisation in recent years and talking about the country’s potential in the AI sector, Huang said, “Very few countries have this amazing natural resource called IT and computer science expertise.” "We are at the doorsteps of the new intelligence age. India will be one of the biggest intelligence markets. It's not just our aspiration, but also the raw gene power which will help drive intelligence,” said Reliance Industries chairman <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword>. "India will not just deliver CEOs to world, but also AI services. Like we did with data, in few years from now we can surprise the world with what Indians can achieve in intelligence," Ambani added. Ambani revealed the company’s plans to establish a scalable infrastructure capable of expanding beyond 1 gigawatt, powered by green energy. "We are building this so we can scale, and we think big," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/deepak-builders-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/114533208.cms">Deepak Builders IPO allotment – How to check allotment, IPO GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/synology-introduces-new-enterprise-solutions-reports-significant-growth-in-india/articleshow/114504353.cms">Synology introduces new enterprise solutions, reports significant growth in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/diwali-gift-zomato-platform-fee-increased-to-rs-10-ahead-of-the-festive-season/articleshow/114493617.cms">Diwali gift from Zomato – Platform fee increased to ₹10 ahead of the festive season</a>

NVIDIA and Reliance Industries to build AI computing infrastructure in India

The <keyword id="20018890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-infrastructure" source="keywords">digital infrastructure</keyword> has made the <keyword id="20572901" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="loan-sanctioning" source="keywords">loan sanctioning</keyword> system adopt an online mode, but the <keyword id="21614839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="loan-recovery" source="keywords">loan recovery</keyword> still requires a 'feet on the street' approach, says <keyword id="20506781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="swaminathan-j" source="keywords">Swaminathan J</keyword>, Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Speaking at a media event in Mumbai, the deputy Governor of RBI noted that with the digital infrastructure at place, many <keyword id="22721545" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fintech-players" source="keywords">fintech players</keyword> are giving loans to customers with poor credit profiles, and up on default, use aggressive recovery tactics. "While loan sanctioning and disbursement have become increasingly digital, effective collection and recovery still require a 'feet on the street' and empathetic approach. Many fintech platforms operate on a business model that involves extending <keyword id="22791879" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-value-loans" source="keywords">small-value loans</keyword> to customers who often have a poor credit profiles" said the deputy governor. He emphasized that the business model of many fintech platforms involves offering small-value loans to customers who often have poor credit profiles. This has led to the adoption of aggressive recovery strategies, which on many occasions also crosses ethical boundaries. He also highlighted one particularly concerning practice that involves the invasion of customers' privacy, where recovery agents access the personal data and contacts of borrowers and use that as a threat practice. Swaminathan cautioned that such tactics not only infringe on individuals right to privacy, but also risk damaging the reputation of regulated lenders associated with these fintech platforms. He also highlighted RBI's regulations on outsourcing, that even though regulated financial entities delegate certain activities to third parties, they remain ultimately accountable for the actions of their outsourced agents. The deputy governor also noted that the digitisation allows banks and NBFCs to leverage data for greater insights into their customers' requirements and behaviour, which can be used for developing bespoke products apart from facilitating better risk management and compliance. He stated that the role of RBI as a regulator is to establish guardrails or a balanced framework that encourages innovation while ensuring that risks are managed prudently. The deputy governor also indicated the primary goal of RBI is to ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system and not to hinder business operations.

Loan sanctioning has gone digital, but recovery still needs a 'feet on the street' approach, says RBI Deputy Governor

The technology platform for providing "<keyword id="22918315" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="frictionless-credit" source="keywords">frictionless credit</keyword>" launched by the <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>) last year as a pilot project will soon be introduced nationwide soon, said Reserve Banks of India Governor, <keyword id="19913110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shaktikanta-das" source="keywords">Shaktikanta Das</keyword> on Monday. This technology platform will be named "<keyword id="22918314" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unified-Lending-Interface" source="keywords">Unified Lending Interface</keyword> (ULI)", Das said while speaking in Bengaluru at the event of the Global Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies. Governor Das said "Just like <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> transformed the payments ecosystem, we expect that ULI will play a similar role in transforming the lending space in India. The 'new trinity' of JAM-UPI-ULI will be a revolutionary step forward in India's <keyword id="20018890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-infrastructure" source="keywords">digital infrastructure</keyword> journey." The ULI platform facilitates a seamless and consent-based flow of digital information, including even land records of various states, from multiple data service providers to lenders. The technology platform introduced last year as a pilot projects cuts down the time taken for credit appraisal, especially for small and rural borrowers. Das stated that the ULI architecture has common and standardised APIs, designed for a 'plug and play' approach to ensure digital access to information from diverse sources. "This reduces the complexity of multiple technical integrations. It enables borrowers to get the benefit of seamless delivery of credit, and quicker turnaround time without requiring extensive documentation. By digitising access to customer's financial and non-financial data that otherwise resided in disparate silos, ULI is expected to cater to large unmet demand for credit across various sectors, particularly for agricultural and MSME borrowers," the RBI governor stated. Showing confidence in the newly launched ULI, Das said, "Just like UPI transformed the payments ecosystem, "we expect that ULI will play a similar role in transforming the lending space in India." Speaking about the success of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Das said, "The current ecosystem of digital payments in India offers a bouquet of simple, safe, and secure options for instant or quick transfer of funds, both large and small value, for businesses and individuals." Das further stated stated that the apex bank is consistently trying to secure the financial system in the country. "We are constantly working on devising policies, approaches, systems and platforms that will make our financial sector stronger, nimble and customer-centric," Das said. Additionally, Das also highlighted that the central bank is constantly working on devising policies, systems, and platforms that will make the financial sector stronger, nimble and customer-centric. Das said that over the last decade, the traditional banking system has undergone an unprecedented technological transformation. By all indications, this process is likely to become even more intense in the coming years, he said. On the country's experience in DPI, he said, "DPI has enabled India to achieve in less than a decade levels of financial inclusion that would have otherwise taken several decades or even more" He also emphasised that UPI system has the potential to evolve into a cheaper and quicker alternative to available channels of cross-border remittances. The Governor also stressed that financial institutions should be abundantly mindful of associated risks of Artificial Intelligence.

After UPI, RBI set to launch Unified Lending Interface (ULI) for friction-less credit

The Reserve Bank on Thursday proposed to create a <keyword id="22711172" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-repository" source="keywords">public repository</keyword> of <keyword id="21305551" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="digital-lending-apps" source="keywords">digital lending apps</keyword> in a bid to address the problems arising from mushrooming <keyword id="22711171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unauthorised-players" source="keywords">unauthorised players</keyword> in the segment. In another significant move, the central bank proposed to introduce a facility of "<keyword id="22710839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delegated-Payments" source="keywords">Delegated Payments</keyword>" in UPI to enable an individual to allow another individual to make <keyword id="19957378" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI-transactions" source="keywords">UPI transactions</keyword>. In a <keyword id="13144094" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="post-monetary-policy-review" source="Orion">post-monetary policy review</keyword> address, <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> <keyword id="20595794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Governor-Shaktikanta-Das" source="keywords">Governor Shaktikanta Das</keyword> said the central bank has taken several measures for the orderly development of the <keyword id="12577431" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-lending-ecosystem" source="Orion">digital lending ecosystem</keyword> in India. In a bid to address the problems arising from unauthorised digital lending apps (DLAs), he said the RBI proposes to create a public repository of DLAs deployed by its regulated entities. "The regulated entities (REs) will report and update information about their DLAs in this repository. This measure will help the consumers to identify the unauthorised lending apps," Das said. On introduction of 'Delegated Payments' through UPI, the Governor said the facility would enable an individual (primary user) to allow another individual (secondary user) to make UPI transactions up to a limit from the primary user's bank account without the need for the secondary user to have a separate bank account linked to UPI. This, he added, will further deepen the reach and usage of digital payments. The central bank also announced an increase in the transaction limit for tax payments through UPI to Rs 5 lakh. Currently, the transaction limit for UPI is Rs 1 lakh, except for certain categories of payments which have higher transaction limits. "It has now been decided to enhance the limit for tax payments through UPI from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per transaction. This will further ease tax payments by consumers through UPI," Das said. The Governor also announced measures to speed up cheque payment which will benefit both the payer and the payee. At present, cheque clearing through Cheque Truncation System (CTS), operates in a batch-processing mode and has a clearing cycle of up to two working days. "It is proposed to reduce the clearing cycle by introducing continuous clearing with 'on-realisation-settlement' in CTS," Das said. This means that cheques will be cleared within a few hours on the day of presentation.

RBI to set up public repository of digital lending apps to check unauthorised players

India's government <keyword id="21309215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare-spending" source="keywords">healthcare spending</keyword> appears to be on the rise, but a closer look reveals a concerning trend. While the headline figures might suggest an increase, the reality is a steady decline in health expenditure as a proportion of both the <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget" source="keywords">budget</keyword> and GDP over the past five years (2018-19 to 2023-24). This decline is even starker when adjusted for inflation. In real terms, spending has barely kept pace since 2019-20. As a percentage of the total budget, health spending has shrunk from 2.4% in 2018-19 to just 1.9% in 2023-24. Similarly, the share of GDP allocated to health has fallen from 0.30% to 0.28%, as per a report from the Times of India. <h2>Growing expectations ahead of <keyword id="15478236" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2024" source="Orion">Budget 2024</keyword></h2>As the Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> prepares to present the full budget for the current fiscal on July 23, the expectations from the health sector has only been growing. “The Union Budget 2024-25 is a pivotal moment for India's healthcare sector. Building on the ₹64,180 crores allocated in 2023-24 under the Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, we need enhanced tax incentives and financial support for healthcare startups to catalyze innovation. Significant investments in <keyword id="21226679" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-health-infrastructure" source="keywords">digital health infrastructure</keyword>, particularly AI, will improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency,” says Dr Sravani Reddy G, Founder &amp; CEO, Soprav Healthcare Consulting. “Strengthening public-private partnerships will improve healthcare accessibility and quality, leveraging private sector efficiency. Additionally, focused efforts on affordability and access, such as reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving insurance coverage, are vital for a more equitable healthcare system.” “The healthcare sector in India is on the brink of excellence. There is an increased focus on treating unique patient cases, robotic surgeries, and increasing prominence of AI for accurate diagnosis. To reach the next phase, emphasis must be laid on innovation, research &amp; development, and infrastructure development. These are the foundations for India’s health sector to achieve an international standard of treatment for all,” hopes Joseph Pasangha, Group COO, SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111730426" title="Pan-India rollout of U-WIN to track routine immunisations likely by Aug end" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Health tax not helping enough </h2>This situation is further complicated by the introduction of the <keyword id="22446013" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-cess" source="keywords">health cess</keyword> in 2018. This tax levy was intended to boost government spending on healthcare, particularly for the underprivileged. However, the collected funds seem to be merely filling the gap created by cuts to regular budgetary allocations for health. In 2022-23, over Rs 18,300 crore of the central government's health spending came from the health cess. Excluding this amount, the actual budgetary allocation for health stands at a concerning Rs 59,840 crore. This is lower than the pre-pandemic level of Rs 66,042 crore allocated in 2019-20, even without adjusting for inflation. <h2>Where's the money going?</h2>The intended purpose of the health cess seems to be falling short. In 2018, health spending accounted for 2.4% of the government's total expenditure. If this ratio had remained constant in 2023-24, the health budget should have been over Rs 1.07 lakh crore. Instead, the revised expenditure, including the health cess, stands at just Rs 83,400 crore. Even the additional allocations for the COVID-19 pandemic (Rs 10,655 crore and Rs 15,955 crore in 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively) cannot mask the overall decline. When combined with the regular health budget (excluding health cess), the total spending in these years still falls short of what it would have been if the 2.4% share of 2018-19 had been maintained. <h2>More for alternative medicine</h2>While the share allocated to Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga &amp; Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) has seen a significant increase, spending on crucial areas like health research has seen only marginal growth. Additionally, a major portion of research funding goes to the Indian Council of Medical Research, with only a temporary increase during the peak of the pandemic response. The most concerning decrease is in the allocation for health and family welfare, encompassing national programs, the National Health Mission, and health system strengthening. This critical area has seen a substantial decline in its share of both GDP and total budget expenditure, falling from a peak of over 2% in 2017-18 to a mere 1.7% in 2023-24. Excluding the health cess, this figure drops even further to 1.5%. <h2>What this means</h2>This decline in government health spending raises serious concerns about India's commitment to public healthcare, particularly for its most vulnerable populations. Increased investment in health is crucial for a growing nation like India, and a reversal of this downward trend is essential to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all. The 2024 Interim Health Budget saw a boost in total healthcare expenditure from Rs. 79,221 crore to Rs. 90,171 crore. Experts have opined that The healthcare budget should encompass at least 2.5% of the total budget. But it remains to be seen how the exact picture will turn out to be on July 23. “The 2024-25 budget presents an opportunity to build on past successes while addressing shortcomings, ensuring that India's healthcare system remains resilient, innovative, and patient-centric. This budget can pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all," concludes Dr Reddy. (With inputs from TOI) <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Despite pandemic and growing health scares, India’s budget share for healthcare continues to decline

<keyword id="19897919" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-media" source="keywords">Social media</keyword> platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have established safeguards to combat <keyword id="23571068" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bot-accounts" source="keywords">bot accounts</keyword>, including policies and technical mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of these measures is increasingly being questioned as AI-driven bots evolve and find ways to bypass restrictions. <h2>AI bot evolution</h2>While <keyword id="21559036" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-bots" source="keywords">AI bots</keyword> can serve legitimate purposes like marketing and customer service, some are designed to manipulate public discussions, incite hate speech, and spread <keyword id="19933162" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="misinformation" source="keywords">misinformation</keyword>. Research from the University of Notre Dame investigated the bot policies of platforms like LinkedIn, <keyword id="19932634" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tiktok" source="keywords">TikTok</keyword>, and X, testing how well these platforms enforced their rules. The findings were troubling. "Despite what their policy says or the technical bot mechanisms they have, it was very easy to get a bot up and working on X. They aren't effectively enforcing their policies," said Paul Brenner, a Director at Notre Dame. Even interns, who had only a high school-level education and minimal training, were able to launch the test bots using technology that is readily available to the public, Brenner explained. Their bots were created using commonly-available AI tools such as <keyword id="19918823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OpenAI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="OpenAI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="OpenAI">OpenAI</keyword>'s GPT-4o and DALL-E 3, and the tests were run on LinkedIn, Mastodon, Reddit, TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114283439" title="Security threats to AI models are giving rise to a new crop of startups" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As per the tests, none of these platforms had sufficient safeguards to keep the bots out. Researchers successfully published benign test posts from bots across all platforms, with X and Reddit posing minimal challenges. While <keyword id="19911549" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="meta" source="keywords">Meta</keyword> platforms proved somewhat more challenging due to stronger enforcement mechanisms, they ultimately could still be bypassed — even by relatively inexperienced folk. <h2>Why does it matter?</h2>In India — and the rest of the world, for that matter — the rise of AI-driven bots has significant implications for public discourse, particularly in the political arena. Research has indicated that a substantial portion of misinformation circulating during electoral periods can often be traced back to automated accounts. Many experts emphasise that the pervasive influence of these accounts can negatively shape public perception and discussion, and is often used to target certain sensitive groups and stoke communal tension. As platforms struggle to keep pace with the evolving tactics of malicious bots, the need for stronger regulations becomes increasingly evident. Considering that AI is evolving at a rapid pace that makes it supremely difficult to tell bots apart from real human accounts — even for the tech-savvy — Brenner argues for US legislation that mandates platforms to identify human versus bot accounts. Similar measures are needed in India, where the lack of accountability for social media platforms allows harmful bot activity to proliferate. <h2>What needs to be done?</h2>Addressing the bot problem requires a multitude of different solutions. For starters, enhanced technology, such as more sophisticated AI detection systems, could help platforms identify and mitigate bot activity more effectively. Recent advancements in machine learning are paving the way for tools that can better analyse user behavior and detect anomalies that indicate bot activity. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114250696" title="AI labs are fragmenting because of ego clashes and commercial pressures. It&amp;#39;s about to drive a wave of new startups." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, it is almost just as necessary to educate users about identifying bots and understanding online discourse. To platforms can implement user-friendly tools that highlight potentially automated accounts, empowering users to make more informed decisions about whom to engage with. Legislation could also play a pivotal role in shaping how social media platforms handle bot accounts. By requiring transparency about bot activity and holding companies accountable for enforcement, policymakers can create an environment where genuine discourse thrives and misinformation is curtailed. In India, the proposed <keyword id="19955205" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India-Act" source="keywords">Digital India Act</keyword> could be an avenue for strengthening regulations around <keyword id="19979951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-platforms" source="keywords">digital platforms</keyword> and enhancing user safety. While platforms like X and Facebook have made strides in developing detection methods, the sophistication of AI-driven bots continues to outpace current safeguards. This situation requires urgent attention from both tech companies and policymakers to ensure a safer social media environment. The findings of this research has been published on a pre-print server and can be accessed <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.18931">here</a>.

Even high school interns were able to use common AI tools to bypass security and launch bots on X, Facebook and other social media: report

The internet has revolutionised our lives, offering convenience and connectivity at our fingertips. With the rapid adoption of digital payments in India, fraudsters have evolved their tactics, devising new scams to exploit the growing user base. Several <keyword id="20182215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-scams" source="keywords">online scams</keyword> have been reported in India over the past few months, from the standard UPI refund scams to unbelievable scams such as the digital arrest scams. Here's a look at some prevalent online scams and how to protect yourself: <h2><keyword id="23629952" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI-refund-scam" source="keywords">UPI refund scam</keyword></h2>UPI refund scam is one of the most common online scams these days. It involves a person sending the victim money and then claiming that it was accidentally sent. The scammer then asks the victim to refund the money, often using excuses such as emergency hospitalisations or other important expenses. If the victim refunds the money, the scammer then contacts their bank and reverses the initial transaction, resulting in the victim losing money. How to protect yourself from UPI refund scams: <ul><li>Do not resend the money if someone claims they have “accidentally” sent you money.</li><li>If you receive money from an unknown source, contact your bank immediately.</li><li>If someone says they have sent you money, ask them to contact their bank to get a refund.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="19939895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="phishing-scams" source="keywords">Phishing scams</keyword></h2>Phishing scams have been around for a long time, but they have become more sophisticated in the digital age. Fraudsters often impersonate reputable companies, sending fake emails, messages, or even websites that look almost identical to the real ones. These messages typically contain a sense of urgency—such as a warning that your account is about to be blocked or that you've won a prize. Once you click on the link, you’re directed to a fake site that prompts you to enter your personal information, including login credentials and payment details. This data is then used to steal money or compromise your identity. How to protect yourself from phishing scams: <ul><li>Be sceptical of unexpected messages or emails, even if they seem to come from trusted sources.</li><li>Check the URLs of websites carefully. Scammers often use misspelt URLs that are designed to look legitimate.</li><li>Never share your personal or financial information without verifying the authenticity of the request.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SIM-swap-scam" source="keywords">SIM Swap scam</keyword></h2>As the name suggests, a SIM swap scam basically involves the scammer getting access to your SIM, either with the help of someone at the mobile service provider or through other means. The scammer often convinces the network provider to activate a SIM card they possess, gaining control of the victim’s phone number. This allows the scammer to gain access to all calls and text messages that the victim may receive, which is important in this day and age where all accounts are linked to your phone number. Once the scammer gets access to the victim’s phone number, they use it to gain access to their bank account and steal money. How to protect yourself from SIM swap scam: <ul><li>If your SIM stops working, immediately inform the telecom operator.</li><li>Make use of a SIM lock, which prevents your SIM from being used on another smartphone without entering a password.</li><li>Avoid sharing personal information online, especially things which can make it easier to crack your passwords.</li><li>Keep track of your accounts and report any unauthorised transactions.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="20415709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping-scams" source="keywords">Online Shopping Scams</keyword></h2>Beware of fake online stores offering unbelievable deals. These websites might steal your payment information or deliver counterfeit or non-existent products. These websites often advertise unbelievable deals to lure in unsuspecting customers, either with the intention of stealing their data or selling substandard products. How to stay safe: <ul><li>Shop from reputable websites. Look for customer reviews and secure payment gateways.</li><li>Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.</li><li>Use a credit card for online purchases. It offers better fraud protection than a debit card.</li></ul><h2>The "Digital Arrest" scam</h2>In this chilling scam, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials. They may claim you're involved in illegal activities and threaten you with a "digital arrest" or legal action. To avoid this, they'll demand payment or personal information. Victims are often coerced into making payments via UPI or other digital means. The sense of urgency and fear of legal consequences often compels people to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. How to avoid: <ul><li>Know your rights: Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or personal information over the phone or online. </li><li>Verify identities: If you receive such a call, hang up and directly contact the relevant authorities to verify the claim.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KYC-scam" source="keywords">KYC scam</keyword></h2>With the increased demand for KYC (know your customer) updates across digital platforms, fraudsters are taking advantage by posing as bank or telecom representatives. They often claim that your account will be blocked if you don’t update your KYC details immediately. Victims are then asked to share their Aadhaar number, PAN, or other personal details via a fraudulent link or over a call. In some cases, they also ask users to complete the process through UPI apps, stealing money from their accounts during the process. How to avoid it: <ul><li>Banks and financial institutions never ask for personal details over a call, message, or link.</li><li>Always update KYC details through official channels, like the bank’s app or website.</li><li>If you receive a suspicious KYC request, report it to your bank’s customer service immediately.</li></ul>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/waaree-energies-to-afcons-infrastructure-ipos-to-look-out-for-this-week/articleshow/114421377.cms">Waaree Energies to Afcons Infrastructure, IPOs to look out for this week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bigger-they-are-harder-they-fall-a-look-at-how-the-countrys-biggest-ipos-have-fared/articleshow/114307997.cms">Bigger they are, harder they fall – A look at how the country’s biggest IPOs have fared</a>

UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of

On the second day of offer, the IPO (initial public offer) of <keyword id="21031841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shapoorji-Pallonji-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Shapoorji Pallonji Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Shapoorji Pallonji Group">Shapoorji Pallonji Group</keyword>'s flagship <keyword id="21118098" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="construction-company" source="keywords">construction company</keyword>, <keyword id="23715057" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Afcons-Infrastructure-Limited" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Afcons Infrastructure Limited" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Afcons Infrastructure Limited">Afcons Infrastructure Limited</keyword>, was subscribed to around 0.28 times. As of 1 pm today, investors had bid for only 1,71,49,632 shares as against the 6,13,13,722 shares on offer. The Rs 5,430 crore worth of IPO, which includes a fresh issue of Rs 1,250 crore and an OFS (offer for sale) worth Rs 4,180 crore, closes for subscription tomorrow. The company is set to list on BSE and NSE next month, on November 4, 2024. With a price band of Rs 440 to Rs 463 per share, the company's last traded GMP (<keyword id="19905703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="grey-market-premium" source="keywords">grey market premium</keyword>) stood at Rs 23. This means that the investors are expecting the stock to list at around Rs 486 (upper end of price band, i.e., Rs 463+ GMP of Rs 23), which will translate into a potential listing gain of around 4.97% per share. Globally, Afcons has undertaken multiple "first of its kind" <keyword id="19936648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infrastructure-projects" source="keywords">infrastructure projects</keyword>, like building Zambia's first flyovers and Ghana's largest rail project. Additionally, the company, which was incorporated in 1969, has a legacy of around 60 years. Some of their prominent projects in India include: <ul><li>Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, which was completed in 2023. It is the tallest single-arch railway bridge in the world.</li><li>The Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, the world's longest highway tunnel constructed 3,000 meters above sea level, was completed in 2020.</li><li>Kolkata Metro, a part of which will be underwater, and will also include India's deepest metro station at Howrah.</li><li>Afcons is also working on constructing a 21-kilometer-long tunnel for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway, which will comprise a 7-kilometer-long underseas rail tunnel, a first in India.</li></ul> <h2>Steady Financials</h2> The company has a sturdy order book, standing at Rs 31,747.43 crore as of June 30, 2024. Its revenue from operations also surged from Rs 12,637.38 crore in FY23 to Rs 13,267.50 crore in FY24. On an average, around 30% of its revenues are sourced from exports. The company's PAT (profit after tax) jumped from Rs 418.86 crore in FY23 to Rs 449.74 crore in FY24. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the company's revenue from operations stood at Rs 3,154.36 crore, and profit after tax stood at Rs 91.59 crore. As of the second quarter of FY25, the company has 65 ongoing projects across 12 countries. Compared to its peers like Larsen and Toubro, which has a return on net worth (RoNW) of 15.24% and Kalpataru Project International, whose RoNW stands at 10.17%, Afcons has an RoNW of 15.24%. Anand Rathi Research recommends subscribing to this IPO from a long-term perspective, noting that the issue appears fully priced. "At the upper band, the company is valued at 37.9x its FY24 earnings, along with being valued at 46.3x if we annualize FY25 earnings. Following the issuance of equity shares, the company's <keyword id="19930507" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="market-capitalization" source="keywords">market capitalization</keyword> stands at Rs 1,70,261.8 million, with a market cap-to-sales ratio of 1.34 based on its FY24 earnings. We believe that the issue is fully priced and recommend "Subscribe-Long-term” rating to the IPO, it adds.

Afcons Infrastructure IPO: Offer subscribed to 0.28x on day 2. Should you invest?

<ul><li><keyword id="19896380" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-industries" source="keywords">Reliance Industries</keyword> is expected to launch an IPO for <keyword id="6354504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reliance-jio" source="Orion">Reliance Jio</keyword> in 2025.</li><li>Reliance Retail is expected to go public after <keyword id="19906886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jio" source="keywords">Jio</keyword>, with no date fixed yet.</li><li>The <keyword id="7784314" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="reliance-jio-ipo" source="Orion">Reliance Jio IPO</keyword> will emerge as the country’s biggest IPO, beating the Hyundai IPO.</li></ul>Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries is reportedly gearing up to launch the initial public offering (IPO) of its telecom arm, Reliance Jio in 2025. The telco will join its competitors, Bharti Airtel and Vi, which are already public. According to a<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/ambanis-reliance-jio-ipo-set-2025-retail-debut-much-later-sources-say-2024-11-04/"> report</a> by Reuters, Reliance Jio is expected to go public in 2025 and the IPO for the retail arm is planned later. As per two sources familiar with the matter, <keyword id="19916798" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mukesh-ambani" source="keywords">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> plans on sticking to the timeline he mentioned in 2019, where he said he will “move towards” listing in five years. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114931927" title="October auto sales – Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors report a decline, Mahindra continues to grow" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The company has firmed up plans of taking the telecom arm public as it feels the company has achieved a stable business and revenue stream. Jio is currently the biggest telecom operator in India, with over 471 million subscribers as of August 2024. Reliance Industries has raised over $25 billion for the company’s digital, telecom and retail businesses from investors like KKR, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, General Atlantic and more. <h2>Reliance <keyword id="6059106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jio-ipo" source="Orion">Jio IPO</keyword> to be India’s biggest</h2>Existing rules state that companies that are valued at ₹1 lakh crore or more need to sell at least 5% of total shares during an IPO. Jio is currently valued at $112 billion (₹9.42 lakh crore) as per Jefferies. A 5% stake sale would put the IPO at around ₹47,100 crore, beating the recently concluded IPO of Hyundai Motor India, which raised ₹27,870.16 crore. <h2>Retail IPO further away</h2>While no timeline has been mentioned, the retail arm’s IPO has reportedly been pushed further away, as the company feels it needs to address internal business and operational challenges. Not only this, the company reportedly wants to avoid two big IPOs hitting the Dalal street in the same year. With Jio’s IPO planned for 2025, we might see the retail arm going public in 2026 or later. Reliance Retail operates over 3,000 supermarkets and also deals in the e-commerce segment. The company feels the retail arm has grown “too fast” and needs some stability before the IPO. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/upcoming-ipos-this-week-swiggy-niva-bupa-health-insurance-and-more/slidelist/114937405.cms">Upcoming IPOs this week – Swiggy, Niva Bupa Health Insurance and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/october-auto-sales-maruti-suzuki-and-tata-motors-report-a-decline-mahindra-continues-to-grow/articleshow/114931927.cms">October auto sales – Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors report a decline, Mahindra continues to grow</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-13-announced-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6000mah-battery-and-more/articleshow/114842638.cms">OnePlus 13 announced with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,000mAh battery and more</a>

You Searched For "India s digital public infrastructure" and got 10 results

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UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of

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Afcons Infrastructure IPO: Offer subscribed to 0.28x on day 2. Should you invest?

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